Shiny Hardware: National Pro Fastpitch Cowles Cup

The Chicago Bandits won the National Pro Fastpitch Cowles Cup championship in 2015. It was my second full year of covering the team.

Pitcher Sara Moulton starred at the University of Minnesota before joining the Bandits. Speedy outfielder Sammy Marshall excelled at Western Illinois University. Both were key parts of the championship run.

What started as me looking for a one-time fun event to cover turned into six awesome years of fun covering the Bandits. Over the years, I did more than 150 interviews with the Bandits and opponents. Those interviews can be found at the Chicago Bandits playlist on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.

Unfortunately, the league didn't play in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid. In early 2022, the league announced it was shutting down. This was disappointing, but not terribly shocking.

I still follow many of the former Bandits. Sara owns and operates a pitching facility in Minnesota. Sammy has done some coaching over the years.

It was a great six seasons and I made many friends from that time. I also got to cover two championships, including the one represented below.

Sara Moulton, Sammy Marshall and the Cowles Cup in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Friend Encounters: Sammy Marshall and Tony Feddeler

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

With the National Pro Fastpitch 2020 season canceled, I have to get my softball fix by looking at old pictures. Today, I am featuring two good friends in a picture that makes me smile every time.

Tony Feddeler has been featured here many times. A fan of wrestling, softball, comic cons and other fun stuff, Tony and I have enjoyed many events together.

Somehow in one of our chats, I learned that Tony had never met Sammy Marshall, a local softball star from Western Illinois University who later became a star with the Chicago Bandits. Sammy was traded to the Cleveland Comets a couple seasons ago., but obviously still plays in Chicago when her new team plays here. I had to "fix" the situation for Tony.

I sent a message to Sammy and her mom prior to their arrival, mentioning I had a great friend who wanted to meet her. Although the teams usually take part in the post-game meet-and-greet, I did not want to take a chance.

Tony and I enjoyed a great afternoon of softball action at the ballpark in Rosemont and proceeded to make our way to the post-game fun. We met the Marshall family there and had some fun catching up with them while we waited or Sammy. When Sammy was one with meeting the rest of the fans, she joined us. Tony got his picture and I got a new one, of course.

Truth be told, Tony could have done this without me. The players are always super nice and approachable. Yet, I am happy to have facilitated this for Tony. He's a great guy and a great fan.

While the league is not playing this season, there is still stuff happening. Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the Bandits and the league.

Tony Feddeler and Sammy Marshall in Rosemont, IL-July 2019.

Friend Encounters: Emily Allard, Megan Blank, Michelle Gascoigne, Sammy Marshall and Chris Bejcek

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

This is a big group Friend Encounters. It is fitting as it is right in the middle of the Chicago Bandits season.
It represents great times for my bud Chris Bejcek and also for me. Chris is surrounded by former outfielder Emily Allard, former infielder Megan Blank, former pitcher Michelle Gascoigne and former Bandits player Sammy Marshall. Now, just three years after this picture, all four ladies are either retired or playing elsewhere. That's just life in the NPF.
Emily was forced into retirement due to concussion issues. She is doing great, running BeTheMomentumSoftball.com and clinics all over.
Megan retired after last season. She has done coaching clinics and I think coachinbg somewhere is in her future.
Michelle was coaching in the collegiate ranks while playing. She is currently the pitching coach at Northwestern, who had a fantastic 2019 season. Check out the Cats at NUSports.com.
Sammy is a local athlete who starred at Western Illinois before becoming a star with the Bandits. In the last offseason, she was traded to Cleveland. It was a tough loss, Sammy is doing fine and also has a bright future in coaching.
Meanwhile, there is Chris, a music junkie. Aside from his passion for the Bandits, Chris is a big time concert goer. His musical love seems to span the spectrum. If you don't see him at a Bandits game, chances are he is at some concert.
These five represent great people I have met and befriended through the Bandits. Bandit Nation isn't just a name for the fan group. Bandit Nation is a community of people who come together for our love of softball, but who have developed friendships outside of the ballpark.
I have seen each of these ladies since their departures from the Bandits and it is like sweeing an old friend. You can't emotionally invest in the team, without being attached to the players. Likewise, they become attached to the loyal fans who have supported them.
There is still plenty of softball action left in the season. I encourage everyone to get in on the fun. Go to ChicagoBandits.com to get all of the info and scheduling.

Emily Allard, Megan Blank, Chris Bejcek, Michelle Gascoigne and Sammy Marshall in Rosemont, IL-April 2016.

Good Bye and Good Luck Sammy Marshall, Shelby Turnier and Emily Carosone of the Chicago Bandits

The softball world and Bandit Nation was stunned on Saturday, December 15, when the Chicago Bandits announced a trade. Sammy Marshall, Shelby Turnier and Emily Carosone had been traded to the Cleveland Comets for Jenna Willey, cash and a draft pick.

Like most softball fans, I never saw this coming. I had noticed that Sammy and Shelby had started a new company with former teammate Kristen Brown. Sammy and Shelby had only recently been announced as the trainers at the newly created Bandit Academy. Despite that situation, I never thought either of them (or Emily) would be traded.

I thought Sammy was a lifer with the organization. She grew up in Naperville, starred at Western Illinois, was a drafted by the Bandits and grew into a star. She also was a team leader on and off the field. Her family was present at every game and function. It seemed like the perfect situation.

A native of Florida, Shelby was drafted by the Bandits and asserted herself as one of the best pitchers in the NPF last season. Her gritty and unexpectedly fantastic performance in the 2016 playoffs earned her legend status. Her parents were frequent visitors at the park, despite still living in Florida.

Not to be lost in all of this is Emily. Also a Florida native, Emily starred at Auburn, before being drafted by the Bandits. She was among the league leaders in several categories, while playing a solid 2nd base. Like the others, Emily's family supported her and the team.

There you have three great players and that is not just an adjective I tossed lightly. Sammy, Shelby and Emily are premiere players. In addition to that, they are class acts on and off the field.

I have had many chats and interviews with these three and I was always impressed with their maturity. Fortunately, I told them and their parents the same thing many times. This isn't hindsight. I always spoke highly of these three.

I feel bad for Jenna, too. She didn't ask to be traded. She is in the middle of a shocking trade. Fortunately, I know Bandit Nation will embrace her quickly as one of their own.

What caused this trade? How could this trade be good for the Bandits? How has Bandit Nation reacted and how will they continue to respond? 

Eric Lopez of Fastpitch News invited me on the In the Circle podcast to address these questions and to talk about the players involved. That podcast can be found at Rachel Lawson, Rule Changes, Kentucky Softball and NPF Trade News.

I understand trades and departures are part of sports. Michael Jordan left the Bulls. Monica Abbott left the Bandits. Those were choices by the players though. This trade seems unwanted by all except the management of both teams.

With all of that being as is, the Bandits will go on. As stated, Monica left and the Bandits still won a championship. The Bandits have plenty of talented players and someone will step up on and off the field. As fans and even as a beat reporter, we don't know everything involved. Whatever the reasons, the Bandits' management felt this trade was needed. We might not like it, but we must accept it.

GM Toni Calmeyn has done a fine job with this team. She took over when things looked bleak. She has led the effort to promote the team. She is at every game, facing the fans and I expect she will continue to do so.

As fans, we cheer for the team. We will always love Sammy, Shelby and Emily, just like we love Monica, Taylor Edwards, Brittany Cervantes, Amanda Kamekona, Megan Wiggins and all of the other Bandits who have gone elsewhere to play for whatever reason. Bandit Nation has a unique relationship with players, past and present (as I also discuss on the podcast). I am sure Sammy, Shelby and Emily will get a warm reception whenever they play in Rosemont. In the end though, we will still be cheering for the Bandits.

I was already looking forward to the season, but now it got just a bit more interesting. Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info and news on the team. You can also check here, as I will once again be covering the Bandits.

Thank you to Sammy, Shelby and Emily for all they did here. Thanks for their friendship and for always having time to talk in and out of interviews. Thanks to them and their families for the support over the years. Good luck with the Comets. Merry Christmas Comets fans. Enjoy these three gifts!

Emily Carosone, Sammy Marshall, Shelby Turnier and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2018.

On the Beat With the Chicago Bandits 2018 (Interviews Part 3)

I was back "On the Beat" with the Chicago Bandits for "Stars and Stripes" weekend. As you can see, the Bandits wore special jerseys, which were auctioned to raise money for Salute Inc., anon-profit organization that provides fiancial support for our military men and women. I interviewed Sammy Marshall, Emily Crane and Rachele Fico.

The Bandits are 19-6 in 2nd place, trailing the Pride at 24-1 in 1st place. As expected, the NPF season is shaping up to be a 2 team race. There are a lot of games to be played, but things look good for the Bandits to be playing for the championship on their home field in Rosemont.

The interviews were a mixed bag of fun. This was our 5th interview with veteran Sammy, but we still have plenty of good topics to discuss and superfan (and future Bandit) Kenzie Parker contributed a couple questions as usual.

This was our 2nd interview with Emily. We talked a little softball (University of Missouri and NPF) and a little bit of graphic design.

We got our first interview with NPF veteran Rachele Fico. We talked about her outstanding high school career (26 perfect games), coaching and more.

I hope you enjoy these interviews, learn a bit more about the elite athletes and are entertained. I thank Media Relations Director Jason Lowenthal for facilitating these interviews. I thank Sammy, Emily and Rachele for their time and consideration. I thank Bandit Nation for their continued support. I thank Mark Pandocchi for his video work and Kenzie Parker for her contributions.

Friendly Encounters: Sara Moulton, Sammy Marshall and Jonathan Cimaglio

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities.

With the Chicago Bandits about ready to start the 2018 season, it is the perfect time for this Friendly Encounter edition.  Today we feature two of my favorites or three if you count Jonathan.

Pitcher Sara Moulton and outfielder Sammy Marshall are two of my all-time favorite Bandits and Jonathan is one of my favorite fans (who became friends).  The trio posed with the Cowles Cup, which the Bandits won in 2015.

I love the picture, but I also get a bit sad.  Sara retired after the 2016 season.  She's back up in her native Minnesota, where she is the co-owner of Strike Zone Sports, a Fastpitch Training Center with a specialty in developing top pitching prospects.

I always appreciated Sara, but I gained a whole new level watching her change her life through a diet and workout regimen.  Her dedication and focus was impressive and her attitude was always positive.

Sammy is equally positive.  About to enter her fourth year in the NPF, she has become a star on the team and a team leader in every sense.  It always amazes me how mature she is for such a young lady.  Of course, her speed is also amazing, but she is a much more well-rounded player than just a speedster.

Like Sara, Jonathan also moved away from Chicago to Minnesota.  I have to give props to my guy Cimags.  He's a fun-loving, passionate fan.  He's also a big-time grapher.  I couldn't even guess how many autographs he has.  We occasionally helped each other with picture-taking and getting autographs after the games.  It won't be quite as much fun at the ballpark without Cimags.

I am excited about the upcoming season.  I'm hoping Sara and Cimags make a return visit for a game or two.  I'm also looking forward to adding many interviews to the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bandits playlist on YouTube.

Sara Moulton, Jonathan Cimaglio and Sammy Marshall in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Sammy, Kathy and David Marshall

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

Today, I am cheating just a little bit.  Technically, this should be Family Encounters, but it's my site, my rules and I wanted to feature Sammy Marshall and her parents.

Sammy was a star softball player at Western Illinois University.  After being drafted by the Chicago Bandits in 2015, she had 6 at bats and scored 11 runs and had 6 stolen bases in her rookie season.  The speedy Sammy totally blossomed last season, hitting .244, with 22 runs scored and 8 rbi's in 127 at bats.  She also led the NPF with 16 steals (in 18 attempts).

It was a real joy watching Sammy make the most of her playing time.  She became a leader on and off the field.

It also has been a lot of fun knowing he parents, David and Kathy.  They are regularly at the games, cheering for Sammy and the Bandits.  They are dedicated, excited and entertaining.  It's nice to see the family bonds.

Sammy is a real success story.  She's a local area lady who is doing great things on and off the field and she is destined to do even greater things in life.  At such a young age, she shows a lot of maturity and wisdom, without losing any of her fun nature.  She's a great role model and one of the most popular Bandits.  Sammy and her parents are another example of what makes this experience so wonderful for me.

I thank Sammy for her time always.  I thank Mr. and Mrs. Marshall for their support of the team and for my coverage.  They have done a fantastic job in raising Sammy and they should be proud.

Sammy, Kathy and David Marshall in St. Louis, MO-November 2015.

On The Beat With Sammy Marshall the Chicago Bandits 2017

The Chicago Bandits had a rough offseason, losing many players to retirements or trades.  Fortunately, Sammy Marshall is not one of those former Bandits.

Sammy is entering her third year with the Bandits.  After an excellent career at Western Illinois University, Sammy became the third player from WIU to ever be drafted to play professionally.  In her first season with the Bandits, she went hitless in a handful of plate appearances, but she showed signs of things to come.  She scored 11 runs and added six stolen bases.

In 2016, Sammy was given more playing time and she took advantage of it, blossoming into one of the leaders on the team.  She batted .254 with 29 runs, 8 rbi's and 15 stolen bases.

Sammy was also one of the most popular players, too.  Aside from her loyal group of family and friends, she always had a line of young fans cheering for her and wanting pictures and autographs.

If all of this wasn't enough, Sammy took a vocal role on the team on social media.  One of the most impressive things was when she politely chided some fans on Facebook for inadvertently slighting one fan.  Sammy's response was mature, thoughtful and concise, without being preachy or overbearing.

That showed me several things.  First, Sammy does follow the interactions on FB and not just those involving her.  Two, she cares enough about all the fans to speak up.  Three, she has enough confidence and conviction to actually speak up.  It was a very mature and compassionate thing to do.  I truly gained even more respect for her from that one post.

Since I have written so glowingly about Sammy, I must take one small, humorous jab.  The fans are waiting for an inside-the-park home run.  With her incredible speed, it really is only a matter of time.  It would be cool if it was her first home run.

In the interview below, I asked Sammy about hitting an inside-the-park homer.  We also talked about her speed, her family support system and other fun stuff.

Thank you to the Chicago bandits for allowing me access.  Thanks, too, to Sammy for her time and consideration and for her part in winning two consecutive NPF titles.  Sammy is a special person and player.  It's been a pleasure watching her develop and knowing her.

Stay tuned here all season for coverage of Sammy and the Bandits.  You can also go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info, including schedules, special offers and merchandise.

On the Beat With Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits 2016

The Johngy's Beat recurring coverage of the Chicago Bandits takes us to outfielder Sammy Marshall.  In an odd, but timely coincidence, today also happens to be Sammy's birthday.  Happy birthday Sammy!

Sammy had an outstanding career at Western Illinois.  She is only the third player ever from WIU to play professionally.  She broke the WIU and conference record for career batting average (.456), and also ranks in the top 10 in NCAA history.  Sammy was a 2x Summit League Player of the Year and a 4x All-Summit League First Team selection.

She was drafted 18th overall by the Bandits in the 2015 NPF draft.  Last season, she saw more action on the basepaths than at bat.  She scored 11 runs, with only 6 at bats.

Those 6 at bats were a very small sample size, making it difficult to show her overall talent.  We talked about being hitless last season.  That had to be frustrating, but Sammy persevered and was a team player.

In her second season, due to several factors, Sammy has seen considerably more playing time and has produced on both offense and defense.  It has been a real pleasure watching her blossom this season.

We talked about her playing time, playing in her home area and more.  We talked about the Marshall family's support.  It is heartwarming to see their love of Sammy and the Bandits, both at the Ballpark and on social media.

It's also great to see Sammy develop into one of the faces of the team, despite her relative youth.  Sammy is a fan favorite and role model for what she does on and off the field for the Bandits and the young fans.
I also want to commend Sammy for her recent statement on social media.  Sammy politely reminded fans to treat all other fans with the proper respect.  It was a simple gesture.  She didn't preach or scold.  She just spoke up as a leader of the team.  Well done, Sammy!

It is players like Sammy, who really have drawn me into the team.  I started out covering the Bandits as something different to do.  I really fell in love with the sport and the Bandits organization.

Check out ChicagoBandits.com to learn more about Sammy and to get the latest team news.  Also keep checking her for our continual coverage of the Bandits.

Finally, one last Happy Birthday to Sammy!  Enjoy your day!

On the Beat with Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits 2015

Today, the Johngy's Beat and Justin's World of Softball joint coverage of the 2015 Chicago Bandits features rookie infielder Sammy Marshall.  Sammy was drafted in the fourth round out of Western Illinois University.
The third player ever drafted by the NPF out WIU, Sammy was the WIU Senior Female Athlete of the Year.  She racked up a lot of other honors and awards at WIU and left as the all-time leader at WIU for career hits, career runs scored and career batting average.
We talked about her path to the Bandits, playing a role on the team and much more.  Because she is a big fan of the Chicago Bears, I also asked for her opinion on the new Bears coach.  In addition to her speed, Sammy brings intensity and poise to the Bandits.  It is going to be fun watching her career develop.

After you watch the video, check out ChicagoBandits.com for more info and updates.  Most importantly, check out a game in person!